System and method for providing container security

ABSTRACT

A system for monitoring the contents of a closed container is provided. The system includes a sensing system for monitoring the contents of the container; a signal receiving element for receiving sensor data from the sensing system; a control element for analyzing received sensor data; a first transceiver element for receiving signals containing sensor data from within the container and for transmitting those signals outside of the container; and a satellite transceiver element for receiving signals from the first transceiver element and for forwarding the received signals via satellite uplink to a remote location.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/499,338, filed Sep. 3, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to container security and, moreparticularly, to a shipping container security system to provide a highdegree of confidence regarding the content and security of thecontainer.

2. Background of the Invention

In today's security conscious transportation environment, there is astrong need to cost-effectively and accurately monitor the contents ofcontainerized shipments. This need exist both in the United States andabroad.

Despite the strong need, no present solution has been able to providethe protection and accuracy needed to suit the transportation industryand the government agencies charged with monitoring shipments. This lackof an acceptable solution is due to many factors which complicateinterstate and international shipping. Shipping containers are used totransport most of the commerce entering, leaving, and transiting ormoving within the United States. It is estimated that there are over 6million containers moving in global commerce. Shipping containers haverevolutionized the transportation of goods by greatly reducing thenumber of times goods must be loaded and unloaded during transport.However, at the same time, this same advantage has created a majorproblem in that it is very difficult to monitor and track the contentsof each container during transport.

Beyond their basic construction, monitoring the content of shippingcontainers is also difficult because these containers are carriedthrough numerous transit points and depots all over the world and it isimpractical to stop and check the contents of each containerindividually at each point of transit. Dealing with this problem, theU.S. Customs Service estimates it can inspect just 5% of the 6 millioncontainers entering and reentering the U.S. each year. Accordingly,agencies such as the United States Customs Service are seeking improvedways to achieve cargo container security and integrity upon arrival atthe ports of entry of the United States.

To date, many government agencies have initiated programs to improvecontainer security. These include many useful elements that are intendedto preclude their use by terrorists. However, at present, none of thecontainer tracking systems in use provide a way to assure the integrityof the contents of the containers to assure global container security.Current computer tracking systems are effective at monitoring thelocation of individual containers from point of origin to destinationand maintaining an inventory of loaded and empty containers. Most ofthese systems rely on transponders mounted on the containers that sendmessages to satellites or ground stations, from which the messages arererouted to shipping companies, freight forwarders, and companies.However, these tracking systems are unable to guarantee that a givencontainer does not contain contraband.

As an alternative, some present systems rely on external sensors whichcan inspect container contents for radiation and other items. TheVehicle and Cargo Inspection System (VACIS) sensors developed by SAICInternational (and other similar systems) have proven useful indetecting unauthorized items, such as automobiles, in containers.Widespread use of VACIS will help monitor routine traffic and assistcustoms agents in controlling smuggling. Systems like VACIS, however,cannot prevent determined terrorists from moving dangerous items intothe United States in a container because the technique is notfool-proof, it is costly (Over $300 per container movement inspected),slows the velocity of containers moving in the supply chain (because ofdelays in U.S. government invoicing costs and clearing these costsbefore release of goods to the consignee) and is not applied to 100% ofcontainers destined to move into the United States. The most likelysolution is to tag, track and tamper-proof every container as it istransported. This typically means that the only way to have a highdegree of security is to stop and open containers, unload theircontents, scan the contents with appropriate sensors or inspect thecontents. However, inspecting 100%, every container that enters theUnited States, would be a time-consuming, laborious process. Such anundertaking would be expensive, require a large work force ofinspectors, slow the flow of commerce, and force prices of importedgoods to increase significantly. The result would be drastic increasesin the costs of goods delivered to the U.S. consumer.

3. Description of the Related Art

Beyond the VACIS system described above, several solutions for containersurveillance during transport have been proposed. For instance, U.S.Pat. No. 5,712,789 describes a container monitoring system and methodfor identification, tracking and monitoring of containers from a pointof departure to a final destination and return. This system is able toprovide shippers and their customers an updated status for eachcontainer using various telecommunications systems.

Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,858, provides a device external to theshipping container which communicates using a combination of a shortrange transceiver and a long range transceiver.

European Patent Application No. EP 1246094 also describes acommunication system external to the container which allows for trackingthe movement of the container. This application also describes the useof a satellite positioning unit.

Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 5,831,519 describes a method for surveillance ofthe atmosphere within a shipping container and related equipment via acentralized backup system located on a transportation unit. Inparticular, this reference discloses a communication system by whichinformation regarding the status of the container is relayed to atransporting carrier (i.e. a truck) which then is able to transmit dataregarding the container location and container contents via a satelliteor wireless uplink.

A problem with the existing technology as outlined above is that nosolution is provided which enables the shipping container to beself-evaluating and self-reporting as to its status and that of itscargo. Further, problems exist with respect to integration of containersecurity with the increasing important area of RFID inventory tracking.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To address the problems and limitations noted above, a system formonitoring the contents of a closed container is provided. According toa first preferred embodiment, the system includes a sensing system formonitoring the contents of the container; a signal receiving element forreceiving sensor data from the sensing system; a control element foranalyzing received sensor data; a first transceiver element forreceiving signals containing sensor data from within the container andfor transmitting those signals outside of the container; and a satellitetransceiver element for receiving signals from the first transceiverelement and for forwarding the received signals via satellite uplink toa remote location.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate various embodiments of theinvention and, together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a functional configuration of an system according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a functional configuration of an sensing system accordingto an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows a diagram of a sensing control element according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a functional configuration of an processing systemaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 shows a functional configuration of an communications systemaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of an example of a monitoring system deployedto an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 shows a front view of an example of a monitoring system deployedto an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of an example of a monitoring system deployedto an alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 shows an example of the pass-through antenna according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 shows an example of the pass-through antenna deployed accordingto an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 shows a functional example of the pass-through antenna accordingto an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 system diagram of a monitoring system incorporating anembodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides a unique system for monitoring andreporting environmental information regarding the interior of theshipping container. Further, the present invention provides a uniquesystem for reading and incorporating RFID information in this system.

Throughout this specification, preferred embodiments of the inventionare described in detail below with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. In the embodiments, various examples and illustrativeembodiments are provided. It should be understood that these embodimentsand examples are provided purely for purposes of illustration. Thepresent invention is limited solely by the claims appended hereto.

With reference now to FIG. 1, and for the purposes of explanation, thebasic system of the present invention may consist of three majorsystems: a sensing system 102 for monitoring conditions within thecontainer; a processing system 104 for analyzing and processing datafrom the sensing system; and a communications system 106 for forwardingdata to monitoring devices outside of the container.

I. Sensing System

With reference now to FIG. 2, the details of the sensing system 200 willnow be discussed. As shown in FIG. 2, the sensing system of the presentinvention consists of a set of sensors chosen to give the most accurateand complete view of the container environment. In accordance with thepreferred embodiment of the present invention, these sensors preferablyinclude: a PIR (motion) sensor 202; a micro-bolometer 204 for detectingthe presence of people and animals; a smoke detector 206; a light sensor208; a vibration sensor 210; a temperature sensor 212; an auditory(sound) sensor 214; and a container integrity sensor 216 (as discussedin detail further below). This sensor suite has been selectedparticularly as an anti-penetration and human tampering detectionsystem. In addition, further sensors that are RF enabled and fullyfunctional within the LAN of the invention and customized to matchcurrent threats such as ionization detectors to detect explosives orradiological sensors to detect gamma or neutron emissions may beincorporated for use with the preferred sensor suite provided herein.

In addition to the environment sensors, in accordance with the preferredembodiment of the present invention, a door switch sensor 222 (such asan optical, ultrasonic, magnetic or mechanical switch) may preferablyalso be included to detect the status of the door. Together, the sensorsof the present invention provide anti-tampering protection, aid in thedetection of contraband, and continuous monitoring of environmentalconditions that could affect the cargo within the container or indicatesuspicious activity.

Preferably, each sensor of the present invention includes circuitry tocontinuously monitor the sensor and capture the highest amplitude signalover a pre-determined, short time interval. Thereafter, as signals aredetected, it is preferred that a sensor manager 220 is provided tosample the held measured value or cumulative values once per programmedinterval and thereafter, provide the sampled results for furtherprocessing and analysis by processing system 300 of the presentinvention. The interval can be changed by the processing system asrequired to gather more detailed information about possible change ofcontainer integrity status or the presence of unauthorized content.

Preferably, the sensor manager 220 of the present invention may alsoprovide analog and digital ports for additional inputs. For example, acontainer door switch may be connected to one of these ports. This doorswitch may provide additional protection to sense when the containerdoors are open, beyond that provided by the electro/mechanical doorswitch 222 detailed herein. Additionally, an RF e-seal device and RFIDreader device may also be incorporated as detailed below.

A. Sensors

The following sensors comprise a preferred suite of sensors for use withthe sensing system of the present invention. Preferably, each of theseshould be designed to work independently to monitor the containerenvironment. Data from these sensors is processed, stored, and actedupon by the processing system of the present invention as discussed indetail below. It should be understood that the exact placement and typeof sensors may vary according to a variety of factors including thespecific needs of the shipper and the type of goods being shipped.

Further, it should be understood that, although preferred operatingparameters for each preferred sensor described below are suggested, eachsensor may, of course, be adjusted to suit particular applications. Thekey goal for each sensor is to allow a resolution of measurementsufficient to allow for noting small and sudden differences in anotherwise stable container environment that may indicate a change in thecontainer integrity status or the presence of unauthorized content.

Temperature—Preferably, the temperature sensor 212 of the presentinvention will allow measurement of temperatures in the range is −40° C.to 125° C. with a ±2% accuracy and a 0.25° C. resolution.

Visible Light—Preferably, the light sensor 208 of the present inventionshould allow for light levels between 0 and 2000 Lux.

Acoustic—Preferably, an acoustic sensor 214 for use with the presentinvention will provides information on sounds in the environmentincluding high frequency sounds unique to cutting or cracking.

Vibration—The vibration sensor 210 of the present invention preferablyconsists of a two-axis accelerometer.

IR Motion—Preferably, the motion detector 202 of present invention willbe sensitive to electromagnetic energy in the 8–10 micron wavelengthband where humans produce their peak IR energy so that it is optimizedto sense human motion.

IR Microbolometer—Microbolometers are passive sensors that absorbinfrared radiation and convert the change in the temperature of themicro-detector into a change in resistance or other parameter, which isthen sensed electronically. Preferably, the IR Microbolometer 204 of thepresent invention will monitor possible activity in the IR part of thespectrum.

Smoke Detector—Preferably, the smoke detector 206 of the presentinvention will be a photoelectric smoke detector to sense chemical orparticulate changes in the atmosphere of a shipping container. It shouldallow for detection of smoldering cargo combustion (smoking embers oropen fire) and attempts to cut through the walls of the container with atorch.

Door Switch—According to a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the system of the present invention may also include amagnetic proximity sensor 222 for monitoring the opening and closing ofthe door. This sensing function alternatively can be accomplished withan optical photometer or ultrasonic transducer that senses an angularchange in a reflected diode light imposed on the interior of the door.

RF E-Seal—As an alterative or in addition to a basic door switch sensor,the present invention may also use an RF E-seal device 224, which may beattached to the door hasp or hidden within the door frame of thecontainer. This RF E-seal device 224 preferably is enabled toperiodically send information regarding the status of the RF E-seal 224via a wireless link (usually 2.45 GHz signal). Preferably, the sensormanager 220 inside the container periodically receives the status of theseal through an RF conformal antenna inserted through the door gasketduring container stuffing operations. Opening the door breaks the seal,causing the RFID transmitter to cease active transmission. Preferably,the sensor manager 220 will record the date and time of such an event ina suspicious activity file in its memory log.

Container Integrity Sensors (Hole Detection)—In accordance with thepresent invention, sensors for detecting breaches in the containerintegrity (holes) may also be included to enhance container security.Preferably, these type of sensors may include one of the followingsensing techniques. Alternatively, other types of sensing techniques maybe applicable as well.

-   -   (i) Passive Ultrasonic Technique: Cracking or tearing of the        container's structural shell during and after the creation of        the hole creates a series of ultrasonic shock waves with a wide        spectrum of energy distribution. Even in very high acoustic        noise environments, relatively quiet background noise portions        of the spectrum above 20 KHz may be exploited to detect the        presence of the suspicious acoustic emission and in certain        applications, triangulate its source. In accordance with the        present invention, this technique will include a sensor        including a high-pass-band filter for processing signal        wave-forms detected by piezoelectric accelerometers.    -   (ii) Measurement of Reflected RF Energy: The second solution        treats the inside of the container as a microwave (Faraday)        reflective cavity, by retrofitting a thin sheet of metal or        metallic foil on top of the wooden deck inside the container or        on the bottom of the floor (under the container). This technique        of hole detection uses pulsed RF microwave energy from an RFID        reader operating periodically in the container while it is        closed. If the reader operates at a sweeping frequency centered        at approximately 915 MHz, its wavelength would be approximately        30 cm. Holes smaller than 3 cm. in diameter would not markedly        affect the energy that is reflected within the cavity. However,        holes 7–8 cm (approx 3″) in diameter could have the affect of        breaching the Faraday cavity effectively forming quarter wave        parasitic slot antennas that can drain a detectable amount of        microwave energy out of the cavity. This increased energy drain        creates a differential property that can be used to detect the        sudden presence of the hole. Cargo loaded inside the container        will change the standing wave patterns within the cavity and        will absorb energy. Such a “loaded Faraday cavity” can have        unique characteristics, but the back-scatter energy level should        be reduced with the emergence of a hole in the loaded cavity        shell regardless, especially for holes 7–8 cm in diameter or        larger.    -   (iii) Measurement of Container Conductivity: The third solution        includes sending an electrical current into a network of small        conductors layered but insulated from the metal container        surface like a dielectric capacitor and measuring the return of        current and other electrical characteristics of certain circuits        in the grid or measuring the steady state dielectric        characteristics. Where holes are formed, the measured return of        current measured will be measurably changed and the dielectric        constant will be suddenly altered through the creation of ground        current paths.

Additional Sensors—In accordance with the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, each group of sensors will have a modular openarchitecture design that will allow for future addition of sensors 218for such purposes as chemical and radiation detection as required.

II. Processing System

With reference now to FIGS. 3 and 4, a first preferred embodiment of theprocessing system 300 of the present invention will now be discussed. Asshown in FIG. 3, it is preferable that control of the sensor system ismaintained by an on-board controller 302. As discussed above, it ispreferable that the processing system 300, through its onboardcontroller 302 compare the sequence and threshold performance of thesensors 304 in the clusters to a set of predetermined patterns andlevels derived from empirical trials on an instrumented static testcontainer. Based on a series of rule sets stored in memory, thecontroller 302 then operates to declare security events and initiaterecording and communication actions as programmed. For instance, wheresensor input 304 regarding the measured level of smoke or light in thecontainer exceeds a predetermined level, the controller 302 may thenfunction to initiate a message or alarm in response.

In operation, the controller is preferably programmed to routinely scanthe conditions of the sensors to ensure operability. It is furtherpreferable, that the controller 302 have access to all other subsystemmanagers and provide control of the sensor, communications, power, andalerting functions. To achieve this function, as shown in FIG. 4, it ispreferred that the controller 402 has access to and handles all of thesystem logging of sensor data on a sensor log 404 or similar medium.Further, it is preferred that the controller also process and store RFIDdata (i.e. as an RFID manifest 406 of the container contents) when thesystem is used in conjunction with an RFID reader (as discussed indetailed below).

With reference now to FIG. 3, it is preferred that the controller 302incorporates a microprocessor 304, a real time clock 318, a generalpurpose Input/Output port 308 to support external peripheral control, aUniversal Synchronous/Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (USART) 310, aSerial Port Interface (SPI) 312, and memory such as RAM 322, FLASHmemory 320, and EEPROM 314 as shown.

Preferably, the microprocessor 304 used is a low power, highperformance, eight-bit integrated circuit based on the Motorola HCS08instruction set. Such a chip, for instance the NCL08 micro-controller,will preferably use an event driven power management technique to reducepower consumption by half compared with alternative microprocessors. Thecontroller will preferably manages power and hosts the master date-timeclock, communication scheduling and annotation of flash memory records.

As shown in FIG. 4, it is further preferred that the controller 402 willalso control any alarms 408 which may be placed on a container. Inaccordance with the present invention, such alarms may include bothaudible alarms 310 and visible alarms 312.

Alarming

The declaration of an alarm event is a result of sensor data fusion,sensor performance sequencing, and contextual supporting data. When thecontroller declares an alarm event, it may activate a visible (strobediode) and an audible alarm. Each alarm is preferably date and timestamped into flash memory along with relevant details of the alarm. Thealarm messages will expose the data and rationale for the eventdeclaration to allow for troubleshooting and visual inspection by thecarrier before the shipper or Customs agents are obligated to respond.This data also can be forwarded to a central location for scrutiny priorto dispatching an inspector to decrease the possibility of a false alarmresponse.

III. Communication System

A Communications (Comms) Manager module provides an interface to eithera wireless ZigBee (IEEE 802.15.4) subsystem or a wireless Bluetoothsubsystem, enabling communications to systems outside the shippingcontainer. The Zig-Bee signal is passed through a sealed container byway of a specially developed passive pass-through antenna (514),allowing wireless communication with the interior systems of the sealedcontainer. The external systems include the RF E-Seal, the LocalInterface and the Remote Interface. The RF E-Seal allows for a formaldoor sealing after loading of the container and it reports its status tothe processing system. Violation of this seal could trigger an alarmevent. The Local Port Interface provides for a local authorized user topoll the status of the container and to enter data as needed. A laptopor PDA computer may be used for this purpose. Additionally, thisfunctionally may be completed remotely via the Remote Port Interface.The purpose of the Remote Port is to pass status and alarms to acentralized location with an appropriate data/message response from thecontroller. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the reporting may be made via a wireless connection to asatellite modem to communicate with a satellite system such asGlobalstar™ or Orbcomm™.

1. Communications and Interfaces

With reference now to FIG. 5, the communications system 500 of thepresent invention will now be discussed. As shown in FIG. 5, aCommunications (Comms) Manager module 502 is provided as an interface toa wireless link 506 enabling communications to systems outside theshipping container. Preferably, the wireless signal is passed through asealed container by way of a specially developed passive pass-throughantenna 514 (discussed in detail below, which allows for wirelesscommunication with the interior systems of the sealed container.

As further shown in FIG. 5, the external systems may include an RFE-Seal 528 (which may be combined with the pass-though antenna 514 or acommunications path through the wooden floor of the container), theLocal Comms Interface 520 and a Remote Comms Interface 522. The RFE-Seal 528 allows for a formal door sealing after loading of thecontainer. It reports its status to the processing system. Violation ofthis seal could trigger an alarm event. The Local Comms Interface 520provides for a local authorized user to poll the status of the containerand to enter data as needed. A laptop or PDA computer may be used forthis purpose. Additionally, this functionally may be completed remotelyvia the Remote Comms Interface 522. The purpose of the Remote CommsInterface 522 is to pass status and alarms to a centralized locationwith an appropriate data/message response from the controller.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thereporting may be made via a wireless connection to a satellite modem tocommunicate with a satellite system 526 such as Globalstar™ or Orbcomm™.Preferably, such a satellite device will be a device such as the Axxon™AxTracker™ or the like, or a customized OrbComm™ VHF satellite GPStracking communications device which is adapted with ZigBee interfaceantenna devices to incorporate them into the overall LAN architecture ofthe security system; these devices include a satellite transceiver, GPSreceiver, a customized ZigBee™ wireless antenna with a serial (AxTracker™) or duplex (OrbComm™) interface.

In accordance with an alterative preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the reporting may also be made using a wireless systemindependent from the satellite system 256. According to this embodiment,wireless signals may be transmitted to a wireless relay, base station orthe like for routing and transmission to a chosen centralized locationindependent from or in combination with the transmissions made from thesatellite system 256. In accordance with this alternative embodiment,signals may also be received by the communications manager 502 andwireless interface 506 from such external wireless networks as well.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it ispreferred that the wireless communications used within the presentinvention will be based on the ZigBee™ (IEEE 802.15.4) standard. Thisstandard transmits RF signals in the 2.4 GHz ISM band and operates withlow power consumption due to its relatively slower data transmissionrate (128 Kbps-250 Kbps). This approach enables additional capacity andflexibility of design through an up to 255 node pico-network.Communications are simplex or duplex in design, meaning that data can beassessed in either a push or pull process. The remote communicationsfunctions (communications outside the container) will allow for remotepolling of alert event history from the flash memory storage as well asverification of “operations normal” and battery charge level.

As referred to above, all communications of the present invention may bedesigned to be duplex or simplex in nature. Further, as needs require,the processes for transmitting data to and from the present inventionmay be designed to be push or pull in nature. Still further, eachfeature of the present invention may be made to be remotely activatedand accessed from distant monitoring stations. Accordingly, data maypreferably be uploaded to and downloaded from the invention as needed.For example, as detailed above, each system and subsystem of the presentinvention may be designed to send, receive, report and requestinformation via the wireless and/or satellite systems so as tocontinually maintain and update the container systems.

Additional communications with the communications manager 504 arepreferably enabled via industry standard wired interfaces, withcommunications protocols implemented in firmware for future upgrade.These interfaces preferably will include at least two RS-232 compatibleserial ports 504. These alternate serial ports may assist to interfacethe communications manager 502 to interface with additional remotesensors as well as other local readers/controllers such as an RFIDreader or other devices 512.

2. Pass-Through Antenna

With reference now to FIGS. 9–11, examples of pass-through antennas foruse in accordance with the present invention will now be discussed. Animportant link in the communications chain of the present invention isthe communication of messages and alarm from within the container toremote monitoring stations via a wireless link. According to a preferredembodiment of the present invention, such a wireless link is preferablyestablished via a pass-through antenna 902 which receives signals fromwithin the container and guides those signals outside of the container.An example pass-through antenna 902 is shown in FIG. 9, which includes:an external antenna element 904, a substantially planar signal conduitelement 906; and a internal antenna element 908.

As shown in FIG. 11, this pass-through antenna 1110 according to thepresent invention is preferably designed to fit snugly within the doorframe 1112 of a container, and to guide RF signals into and out of thecontainer. As shown in FIG. 9, the pass-through antenna of the presentinvention can also be configured to receive signals and send signalsinput via wired connection 910 as well. FIG. 10 illustrates an exampleconfiguration and use of the pass-through antenna of the presentinvention. As shown, the pass through antenna 1002 is mounted onto thedoorframe 1012 of a container. Accordingly, external antenna element1010 has unobstructed access to transmit and receive signals fromoutside the container. Further, the substantially planar signal conduitelement 1008 provides a conduit across the threshold of the container.Further, internal antenna element 1004 is available to transmit andreceive signals within the container. As illustrated, a WLAN link 1006or other devices may be attached via a serial port to the internalantenna element.

3. RFID Reader

As further shown in FIG. 5, one of the preferred wired connections intothe communication manager 502 is an RFID Reader system. In accordance toa further preferred embodiment of the present invention, an RFID readingdevice in accordance with the Class 1, Version 2 (Gen 2) RFIDspecification.

The RFID Reader system is included in and designed to read RFID equippedpallets. Preferably, the RFID Reader data will be largely selfsufficient with only alarm conditions (such as missing inventory) passedto the sensor controller for processing and storage in associatedmemory. However, one of the new sensor functions could be to use theRFID reader as a hole detector, measuring the energy of RF backscatter(as discussed above). In that scenario, the RFID reader, if it sensed asudden loss of backscatter energy caused by the creation of a large holein the container's metal shell, would be designed to immediately pass analarm indication to the sensor manager, which would provide anappropriate data indicator for the alarm controller and communicationsmanager modules.

In operation, the RFID reader forms the backbone of an electronicmanifest system that verifies accurate loading of pallets (withassociated RFID tags) and validates their ultimate disposition. Inaccordance with a preferred embodiment, at least one door sensor willinterface with the power circuit of a tag reader capable of readingpallet and carton product tags through an RS-232 compatible serialinterface. The logic of the RFID reader is in its controller, which isprogrammed to accept a list of unique serial numbers from a flash memorycard or chip and seek their corresponding RFID tags as they are loadedor unloaded into and out of the container. The RFID reader must be ableto read various commercial protocols and employs multiple tag collisionavoidance algorithms. The readers typically use frequency hopping in aband centered around 915 MHz.

Preferably, the RFID Reader is located near the container door tominimize the distance between the reader and a RFID tag entering orleaving the container, thus enhancing the sensing and reading of theRFID tag. The size and location of the auxiliary power unit will bedetermined during system development. The auxiliary power unit willsupply the RFID reader through a power bus that could be tapped for oneor more of the sensor clusters.

4. Physical Deployment

With reference now to FIG. 6, an exemplary illustration of a container600 monitored by the present invention will now be discussed. As shownin FIG. 6, monitoring device 602, incorporating the sensors,communication, and control elements of the present invention, ispositioned within the container. Alternatively, the sensors and otherelements of the monitoring devices may be positioned at alternatelocations such as 604 or 606, as dictated by environmental concerns.Further, the sensors may be co-located as a single sensor suite (asshown) or broken-up and deployed throughout the container separately.

As further shown in FIG. 6, a pass-through antenna 608 is located on thedoor frame 612 and attached to a wireless interface device 616. Furthershown, a satellite transceiver element 610 is mounted on the frontsurface of the container door 612. Accordingly, the monitoring device602 of the present invention is able to process signals received fromits sensor system and relay necessary information via wireless link 616and pass-through antenna 608 to the satellite transceiver element 710.The monitoring device is preferably able to receive information andrequest for information via the same path for duplex communications andtrigger a preset alarm communications over the satellite communicatorfor simplex satellite communications devices.

With reference now to FIG. 7, an front view of the container 700 in FIG.6 is provided to illustrate the location of the pass-through antenna 708and the satellite transceiver element 710.

With reference now to FIG. 8, a similar configuration to that of FIG. 6is provided with the addition of an RFID reader 818 with a power supply820 and power bus 822. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 8, a monitoringdevice 802 is shown along with alternate locations 804 and 806. Furthershown, a pass-through antenna 808 is located on the door frame 812 andattached to a wireless interface device 816. Further shown, a satellitetransceiver element 810 is mounted on the front surface of the containerdoor 812. Accordingly, the monitoring device 802 of the presentinvention is able to process signals received from its sensor system andrelay necessary information via wireless link 816 and pass-throughantenna 808 to the satellite transceiver element 810. Further, the RFIDReader 818 is preferably positioned to record the comings and goings ofRFID tagged items, which is able to transmit to either the monitoringdevice or directly to the wireless link 816.

5. Dataflow

With reference now to FIG. 12, the flow and transfer of data within thepresent invention will now be discussed. As discussed above,environmental and content data is initially generated from within themonitored container 1202 via a suite of sensors. These sensors mayinclude information from an RF e-seal device and an RFID reader device.As shown in FIG. 12, the configuration of the sensors and controllerswithin the container 1202 may be configured via a laptop interface 1204or similar device. Through this configuration step, a user of thepresent invention may set alarm threshold levels, select communicationprotocols, turn on and off selected sensors as desired, download storeddata, check battery and power levels and other set-up functions.

Once in a monitoring status, the security system of the presentinvention then functions to monitor and report the status of thecontainer to a central monitoring station 1212 (as discussed below). Asillustrated in FIG. 12, information from the container may betransmitted using a variety of paths. According to a first preferredembodiment of the present invention, data from the container may, forinstance, be transmitted from the satellite communication device to anorbiting satellite 1218 which may then transmit the information to asatellite transceiver element 14, which may then route the informationto the central monitoring station 1212. As shown, information may alsobe transmitted from the central monitoring station 1212 to the monitoredcontainer 1202 via the same path.

As further shown in FIG. 12, an alternative pathway for data may also beused without directly using satellite communications. According to thissecond pathway, data from the monitored container 1202 may be providedvia wireless signal to a hand-held device 1206 (such as a personaldigital assistance, cellular phone or similar device) or to a speciallydesigned portal reading device 1220 for receiving data. Both sets ofdevices may alternatively receive data via a direct serial connection tothe monitored container 1202 when circumstanced allow. In eithercircumstance, data transmission may be initiated by either themonitoring system or by the data reading device.

Further, as discussed above, with respect to an alternative embodiment,the monitored container 1202 may also send and receive signals via awireless network through the use of wireless relays, base stations andthe like. Accordingly, a monitored container 1202 according to thepresent invention may communicate with distant parties independent fromor in combination with the satellite system 256.

As further shown, such data transmissions received by either type devicemay then be transferred via the Internet 1208 to the central monitoringstation 1212. Where available, data may be routed to dedicatedmonitoring services (i.e. a seal monitoring operation 1210) as well asto the central monitoring station. Such monitoring services may receivedata from only specific sensors for data. For instance, data from an RFe-Seal type device or RFID reader may be transmitted directly to aspecific monitoring service 1210 concerned only with alerts and reportsfrom that particular sensor.

6. Remote Monitoring

To support and monitor the dataflow generated by the present invention,it is preferred that users establish a centralized location to collectand analyze data. This central location or “data fusion center” wouldpreferably consolidate all tracking signals, sensor alarms and reportsgenerated by the monitoring systems and provide further context andlinks with current intelligence.

Preferably, such a data fusion center will receive such sourceinformation in a variety of formats such as Electronic Data Interchange,XML, E-Mail, HTML and flat text files. After receiving such data, thedata fusion center preferably would act to process the information toidentify anomalies. With this data collected and processed, analyst maycalculate statistics and probability of detection models used fordecision support.

In terms of decision making, such a data fusion center would assistagents and shippers in making decisions regarding the safety and statusof each container. In short, such a data fusion center would preferablyprovide a consolidated source of information that could be used toassist agencies and shippers to identify and remove unsafe andsuspicious containers from commerce.

1. A system for monitoring the contents of a closed container, thesystem comprising: a sensing system, comprised of one or more sensorswithin the container for monitoring the contents of the container; asignal receiving element positioned within the closed container forreceiving sensor data from the sensing system; a processing systemdisposed within the closed container, the processing system comprising amemory for storing predetermined conditions and a control element foranalyzing received sensor data by comparing the received sensor data tostored predetermined conditions wherein the control element includescapabilities for declaring a security alert based on the comparison; anda communications system incorporated in the closed container, thecommunication system comprising: a first transceiver element positionedinside of the closed container for receiving signals containing sensordata from within the container and for transmitting those signalsoutside of the containers, and a satellite transceiver elementphysically linked to the first transceiver element and disposed adjacentan outside surface of the closed container, the satellite transceiverelement for receiving signals from the first transceiver element and forforwarding the received signals via satellite uplink to a remotelocation.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the sensors include at leastone sensor from the group of sensors containing: temperature sensor,visible light sensor, acoustic sensor, vibration sensor, motion sensor,microbolometer, and smoke detector.
 3. The system of claim 2, whereinthe signals are transmitted from within the container to outside thecontainer via a pass-through antenna.
 4. The system of claim 3 whereinthe pass-through antenna comprises: an internal antenna elementconfigured to receive signals from within the container; a substantiallyplanar signal conduit element; and an external antenna elementconfigured to accept signals from the planar signal conduit element andallow those signals to transmit outside the container.
 5. The system ofclaim 4, wherein the external antenna element is configured as an endportion of the planar signal conduit element.
 6. The system of claim 4,wherein the planar signal conduit element is configured to reside withinthe door frame of the container.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein thesensing system includes at least one door switch sensor.
 8. The systemof claim 7, wherein the door switch sensor comprises an RF e-Sealdevice.
 9. The system of claim 6, wherein the sensing system includes atleast one sensor for measuring the integrity of the container.
 10. Thesystem of claim 9, wherein the integrity of the container is determinedat least in part by a measurement of ultrasonic waves.
 11. The system ofclaim 9, wherein the integrity of the container is determined at leastin part by a measurement of reflected RF energy.
 12. The system of claim9, wherein the integrity of the container is determined at least in partby a measurement of container conductivity.
 13. The system of claim 6,wherein at least a portion of the transported goods are marked with RFIDtags and where the system includes an RFID reader for reading RFID tags.14. A method for monitoring the status of a container for transportinggoods, wherein the container includes sensors, the method comprising:receiving data at a processing system within the container from at leastone sensor within the container; implementing a controller within theprocessing system for comparing the received sensor data against apredetermined condition stored in a memory of the processing system;initiating a message from the controller in response to comparisonbetween the received sensor data and the predetermined-condition relatedto the measured sensor data; transmitting the initiated message as an RFsignal from within the container to a satellite transceiver elementoutside the container, thereby initiating unprompted communication frominside of the container, wherein the RF signal is transmitted outside ofthe container via a passive antenna system.
 15. The method of claim 14,wherein the passive antenna system comprises a passive antenna.
 16. Themethod of claim 15, wherein the pass-through antenna comprises: aninternal antenna element configured to receive signals from within thecontainer; a external antenna element configured to accept signals fromthe planar signal conduit element and allow those signals to transmitoutside the container.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the externalantenna element is configured as an end portion of the planar signalconduit element.
 18. The system of claim 16, wherein the planar signalconduit element is configured to reside within the door frame of thecontainer.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein at least a portion of thetransported goods are marked with RFID tags and where the containerincludes, as a sensor, an RFID reader for reading RFID tags, the methodcomprising the following additional steps: creating a first electroniclist of RFID tagged items loaded into the container; storing theelectronic list of RFID tagged items; loading the container fortransport; monitoring the addition and removal of RFID tagged items toand from the container during transport; monitoring the addition andremoval of RFID tagged items to and from the container during transit;creating an updated electronic list of RFID items based on themonitoring of the container during transit; delivering the container toa target destination; and reconciling the first electronic list of thestored RFID tagged items with the updated electronic list.
 20. A methodfor monitoring the status of a container, the method comprising:receiving data at a processing system within the container from at leastone sensor within the container; comparing the received sensor dataagainst a predetermined condition stored in a memory of the processingsystem using a controller of the processing system; initiating a messagefrom the controller in response to the comparison between the receivedsensor data and the predetermined condition related to the measuredsensor data; transmitting the initiated message as an RF signal fromwithin the container to a satellite transceiver element outside thecontainer, wherein the RF signal is transmitted outside of the containervia a wireless link integrated with a door switch sensor.
 21. The methodof claim 20, wherein the door switch sensor comprises an input elementfor receiving signals from within the container, a door switch element,and an antenna element, at least a portion of which is substantiallyunobstructed when the container is sealed.
 22. The method of claim 21,wherein the antenna element comprises a substantially planar antennaconfigured from being located within the doorframe of the container whensealed.
 23. In a system for monitoring the contents of a closedcontainer comprising: a sensing system, comprised of one or more sensorswithin the container for monitoring the contents of the container; asignal receiving element for receiving sensor data from the sensingsystem; a control element for analyzing received sensor data; a firsttransceiver element for receiving signals containing sensor data fromwithin the container and for transmitting those signals outside of thecontainer; and a satellite transceiver element for receiving signalsfrom the first transceiver element and for forwarding the receivedsignals via satellite uplink to a remote location, a passive antennasystem comprising a pass-through antenna, the pass-through antennacomprising an internal antenna element configured to receive signalsfrom within the container; a substantially planar signal conduit elementphysically linked with the internal antenna element, and an externalantenna element attached to the planar signal conduit element andconfigured to accept signals from the planar signal conduit element andallow those signals to transmit outside the container, wherein theexternal antenna element is configured as an end portion of the planarsignal conduit element, and the external antenna element is disposedadjacent an outer surface of the closed container surface.
 24. Thepassive antenna system of claim 23, wherein the planar signal conduitelement is configured to reside within the door frame of the container.25. A system for monitoring the contents of a closed container, thesystem comprising: a sensing system, comprised of one or more sensorswithin the container for monitoring the container and the contents ofthe container including the system for monitoring; a processing systemdisposed within the closed container, the processing system comprising asignal receiving element positioned within the closed container forreceiving sensor data from the sensing system; a memory for storingpredetermined conditions, and a control element for analyzing receivedsensor data by comparing the received sensor data to storedpredetermined conditions, wherein the control element includescapabilities for declaring a security alert based on the comparison, anda communications system having at least one component internal to theclosed container and at least one component external to the closedcontainer, the communication system comprising: an internal componentincluding a communications manager module for facilitatingbi-directional wireless communication between the inside of thecontainer and the outside of the container, and an external componentfor reporting its status from outside of the container to the processingsystem inside of the container.